In the summer of 1936, under the shadow of swastikas and the watchful gaze of Adolf Hitler, two American sprinters lined up for a race that would shake the foundations of Nazi propaganda. Everyone remembers Jesse Owens crossing the line first. Few recall who finished second.

Ralph Metcalfe, a man shaped by grit, faith, and speed, ran the race of his life in Berlin. But his story didn’t end on that track. He would go on to serve in World War II, mentor young athletes, and become a U.S. Congressman who challenged the powers that be, even within his own party.

In today’s episode of Dave Does History, we remember a man who never let second place define him. His legacy stretched far beyond the finish line. This is the story of Ralph Metcalfe, the fastest man to ever lose, and one of the finest to ever serve.